Multiple Sclerosis: Impact on Oral Hygiene, Dysphagia, and Quality of Life

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system reacts by damaging the central nervous system, specifically myelin and oligodendrocytes. It is the most debilitating neurological disease among young adults, causing personal, familiar, social, and professional limitations. Multiple sclerosis can cause disturbances in the orofacial district, due to a demyelination process on the nerves of the head and neck district. The aim of this study was to evaluate the oral health status, dysphagia, and quality of life of patients affected by MS. For this study, 101 patients aged between 12 and 70 (47 males, 54 females) affected by MS were selected, and three questionnaires were handed out and anonymously filled in by them: An oral hygiene test, DYMUS (DYsphagia in MUltiple Sclerosis), and IOHIP-14 (Italian version Oral Health Impact Profile). Through the analysis of the questionnaires it was possible to observe pathological conditions, such as gingival inflammation, xerostomia, dysphagia, neuralgia, and dysarthria. Through the analysis it was possible to outline how the roles of a medical team, composed of a dentist, otolaryngologist, and dental hygienist, are fundamental in coping with other medical figures, during the whole development of the diseases, as well as to prevent possible complications.

Dysphagia and Quality of Life, Participation, and Inclusion Experiences and Outcomes for Adults and Children With Dysphagia: A Scoping Review

“…Overall, 10 additional studies were found, which are summarized in Supplemental Material S6. Only two of these studies included participants with dysphagia associated with lifelong conditions (Padilla et al, 2019;Pilz et al, 2020), and the remainder included participants with acquired dysphagia (Byeon, 2020;Chan et al, 2020;Covello et al, 2020;J.-Y. Kim et al, 2019;Rönnefarth et al, 2020;Shune & Namasivayam-MacDonald, 2020;Swales et al, 2020;Toledo-Rodríguez et al, 2019).…”

Prevalence of dysphagia in patients with multiple sclerosis; a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Identifying dysphagia in the early stages can help reduce its consequences and apply better preventive measures to stop the progression of symptoms in those at risk. (4,9)…”

“…Such dysfunctions include but are not limited sensory deficits such as vision, hearing, and olfaction loss, besides motor deficits being gastrointestinal, bladder-control, gait, and swallowing disorders. (3)(4)(5) Swallowing or deglutition is a half-automated motor action that requires the involvement of respiratory, oropharyngeal, and gastrointestinal muscles. This process is thought to occur in four stages: oral preparatory, oral, pharyngeal, and esophageal stages.…”

“…Identifying dysphagia in the early stages can help reduce its consequences and apply better preventive measures to stop the progression of symptoms in those at risk. (4,9) Regarding the growing evidence on the higher prevalence of dysphagia among MS patients and the importance of dysphagia as a part of MS disease follow-up, the present study has been conducted to estimate the prevalence of dysphagia in MS patients and to assess the potential risk factors.…”

Reliability of Screening Methods to Diagnose Oral Dryness and Evaluate Saliva Secretion

“…Xerostomia, the subjective complaint of dry mouth, is a problem and symptom frequently observed in the elderly [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. It can occur because of a salivary gland disorder such as Sjögren’s syndrome or systemic disease such as cancer, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, bacterial pneumonia; however, it can also occur as a side effect of post-radiation therapy, multiple drug administration, and in special needs patients [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 ]. As the proportion of elderly people continues to increase, so does the number of elderly people who undergo dental examinations and have a chief complaint of dry mouth [ 16 , 17 , 18 ].…”